Pitocin is a synthetic form of our hormone, oxytocin.
Quite frequently, Pitocin is used to start labor or to get labor moving.
Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone (chemical messenger) in our body. Oxytocin plays a large part in the labor cycle. Even though Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, it does not interact with our body the way oxytocin does. Pitocin can potentially break the natural cycle of labor. The natural cycle of labor provides support for both the labor process and the post-birth period.
Oxytocin puts in a lot of work. Let’s shout-out some of the great work it does:
Hormone of love & feel-good vibes
Communicates with the brain
Causing contractions of the uterus (which causes changes of the cervix)
Allows the uterus to take a “break” from contractions
Causes contractions after birth that return uterus to its normal size & tone
Prevents excessive bleeding from the wound bed, where the placenta lived.
Let down reflex during breastfeeding
Maternal-child bond after birth
Triggers endorphins, our natural pain relievers, to be released
Pitocin may lead to:
Sporadic, irregular, painful contractions
Back-to-back contractions
Minimal rest between contractions
A break in the labor cycle
A lot of contractions can be stressful to baby, potentially affecting their heart rate, which may lead to other inventions
Need for electronic fetal monitoring
Decreased levels of oxytocin after birth
Pitocin may be beneficial in specific situations, such as its post-birth use to enhance uterine contractions when they are insufficient to control excessive bleeding. In this context, the administration of Pitocin is medically indicated.
Let’s be honest:
If the cycle of labor is broken, our bodies will compensate, by why should our body work harder when it doesn’t have to? Who does cartwheels when their boss hands them more work at 5:01 PM.
If induction is brought up during your pregnancy or labor and is not medically necessary (you are low-risk and you & baby are doing well) then it is best that you weigh your options. If you do opt for induction, it should be a shared decision between yourself & your care provider. Please make sure you do your research during pregnancy as you prepare for birth.
